Drydocks World – Dubai (DW-Dubai), the ship repair, conversion and building subsidiary of Drydocks World, has added two new berths to its facility, significantly increasing its conversion capacity.

Completed recently, Berths 9 and 10 are now fully operational and have recently accommodated the 380-m-long TI Asia, Abuzar and Spring Bow for conversion work.
The new floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) quay is located on the lee face of the main breakwater, with a total length of 668 m and a dredged depth of 11 m DMD (Chart Datum) over a length of 630 m. Each new berth is more than 59 m wide and is projected to increase DW-Dubai’s FPSO conversion capacity by two vessels per year.
“The two new berths will further strengthen DW-Dubai’s profile as the largest and most efficient maritime industry hub in the region,” said Bob Normand, director of infrastructure development, Drydocks World.
“Berths 9 and 10 are capable of handling supertanker-size vessels.” The main contractor for the berth design and construction was Dutco Balfour Beatty, working with subcontractors Hills & Fort and Wajdi for the mechanical and electrical works respectively. Scott Wilson Kirkpatrik designed the civil works.
The completion of Berths 9 and 10 enable the shipyard to provide more lay-down and fabrication areas for the conversion of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) to FPSOs. FPSOs usually dock for one to two years, occupying crucial yard space for repairing of vessels. The new berths, which currently operate with three cranes, provide the much-needed additional space to meet growing customer demand.
The conversion of TI Asia, one of the four largest oil tankers in the world, and Abuzar are major assignments the company has taken up, reflecting its highest technical expertise and yard capability.
TI Asia weighs 441,893 tonnes and can carry 3.16 million barrels. Dubai is among the very few ports in the world that can host the mega ship, which will soon be converted into an FPSO at DW - Dubai.
Drydocks World recently acquired four fully operational facilities; one in Singapore and three on Batam Island, Indonesia.